Sea Swimming Challenge Goes National to Support Mental Health Charity

Coldtober is a 31-day sea swimming challenge that will raise funds for mental health service provider, Helplink. 

Last year, NUI Galway students raised over €15,000 for Helplink with their November sea-swimming challenge. Inspired by its success, the charity has launched 'Coldtober' in a bid to raise much-needed funds for their national counselling services.

The challenge is set to take place during the month of October and will involve over 20 coastal spots (as well as a few lakes) where participants can brave the waves together. 

Those taking part are asked to go for a daily dip in their local outdoor swimming area. If you don't live near a body of water, you can still participate by taking a 30-second cold shower every day for the month of October. 

Helplink offers 7-days-a-week and out-of-hours counselling services to children, young people, and adults in Ireland. Their counsellors and therapists engage with clients nationally over the phone, while face-to-face meetings are offered in Galway and Mayo. 

Their services include bereavement, addiction and couples counselling, as well as counselling for Irish citizens living abroad. Locally, they collaborate with Tusla and offer art and play therapy in addition to their standard counselling services. 

Registration for Coldtober costs €30 and can be done online - check out their website for more details. If you'd love to get involved but can't for any reason, visit their donations page for info on how to make a one-off donation or start a fundraiser.